Bags found at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus with items poisonous to dogs

Wednesday

Apr 2, 2014 at 8:00 AMApr 2, 2014 at 10:29 AM

By Mike Gaffneymgaffney@wickedlocal.com

The public is advised to be on the lookout for anything suspicious at Breakheart Reservation following the discovery of paper bags containing items known to be poisonous to dogs.On Monday the town posted a warning on its website that brown paper bags had been found at Breakheart Reservation with items inside that are poisonous to dogs. The announcement carried the seals of the Massachusetts Environmental Police, State Police and Department of Conservation and Recreation.A warning has also been posted on a bulletin board at the entrance to Breakheart Reservation in Saugus.Amy Mahler, spokeswoman for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, urged anyone who notices something suspicious at Breakheart to alert DCR rangers or to call the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. State Police can also be alerted by calling 978-538-6161.Mahler declined to discuss specifics about the poisonous items or if any dogs got sick from coming into contact with anything at Breakheart. She told the Advertiser the matter is under investigation by Environmental Police, State Police and Saugus Police.Authorities are urging owners to keep their dogs leashed at all times at Breakheart to ensure their safety."We’re asking people to keep their dogs on a tight leash," Mahler said.The announcement from the investigating agencies cautions people to not approach any suspicious individuals or to disturb any suspicious items they notice at the state park, which is a popular spot for dog walkers.Saugus Police Assistant Chief Ronald Giorgetti said he received a call from the canine control officer that State Police and Environmental Police were investigating the discovery of bags with a tainted substance, which were found on trails where people frequently walk their dogs.The warning is prompting concern and outrage."That's just horrifying. I mean, I just can't understand why anyone would try to hurt animals like that," said dog owner Dan Muise."You can't even take your dog for a walk in a great place like Breakheart and have to worry about something like that," said dog owner Marie Sobchuk, who added that she is keeping her 10-year-old beagle Teddy on a tight leash.Material from news partner WCVB was used in this report